Pharrell cries over 'Happy' tribute video on 'Oprah Prime'

Singer Pharrell Williams cries on "Oprah Prime" following a fan tribute video for his hit song "Happy."

Singer Pharrell Williams cries on "Oprah Prime" following a fan tribute video for his hit song "Happy." (George Burns / George Burns)

Nardine Saad

Even Pharrell Williams, he of the flamboyant toppers, can't overcome the bowling-over capabilities of Oprah Winfrey.

During his "Oprah Prime" appearance on Sunday, the seven-time Grammy-winner was overcome with emotion as the TV queen brought up his infectious song "Happy" and its breakout influence all over the world.

Winfrey played a poignant tribute video set to the song, showcasing global fan renditions of the upbeat tune from the "Despicable Me 2" soundtrack. "Happy" was up for an Academy Award in March but lost the best song honor to "Let It Go" from Disney's "Frozen." But that doesn't mean it wasn't highly influential.

The producer, who had been hyper-sentient earlier in the interview, described writing the song as a "crazy half-court shot" that he took because he was out of ideas and was able to do it only because he got to "a place of openness."

"[We had] zero airplay. Nothing. And the next thing you know, we put out the video on Nov. 21, and all of a sudden ... boom," the 41-year-old told Winfrey of the song's overnight popularity and rise on the charts.

"I mean, when I say boom ... boooom," the "Get Lucky" producer said. "And we were like, 'What's happening?' First of all, people are putting up their own videos. It was, like, no longer my song."

"Why am I crying on 'Oprah'?" he said, after the host handed him a tissue. "It's overwhelming because I love what I do, and I just appreciate the fact that like people have believed in me for so long that I could make it to this point, to feel that."

On social media, the pair acknowledged the gravity of the televised moment.

"This was one of the most sincere humbling moments I've ever experienced during an interview. HAPPY tears," Winfrey wrote on Twitter, adding, "Couldn't you feel his heart @Pharrell? So humble and appreciative of his journey. Loved him!"

"Wow...@Oprah, I am speechless. All of your kind words are overwhelming," he replied, adding, "You can't imagine what this means coming from you, a rare force. So radiant."